19/10/2025
Winter is now upon us, bringing longer nights, colder temperatures, and wet conditions — all of which impact our daily driving routines. As professional drivers, it's essential to adapt to these seasonal challenges not just 0for our safety, but also to maintain efficiency on the road.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe and prepared during dark winter shifts:
1. Wear high-visibility clothing (fully zipped up) – Ensure you're visible from all angles. 360-degree visibility can prevent accidents in poorly lit yards or loading bays.
2. Invest in appropriate thermal and waterproof gear – Staying warm and dry keeps you alert and reduces the risk of illness or discomfort during long shifts.
3. Use a headtorch – It frees your hands while illuminating your path and increases your visibility to others, especially in unlit areas.
4. Carry out proper vehicle checks using your headtorch – Don’t miss important details like tire condition, leaks, or damage to lights and reflective markers.
5. Properly demist and clean your windscreen and all windows – Clear visibility is non-negotiable. Always allow extra time for this before starting your shift.
Check also the wiper blades – Worn or damaged wiper blades can severely reduce your visibility during rain, snow, or sleet. Make sure they’re in good condition and replace them if they leave streaks, make noise, or fail to clear the windscreen effectively. Also, top up your screen wash with winter-grade fluid to prevent freezing.
6. Clean external lights, marker lights, and number plates – Ensure your vehicle is visible and legally compliant, especially in rain or slush that can obscure lights quickly.
7. Plan your route and allocate extra time for your journey – Roads are more dangerous in winter, especially with black ice, fog, or snow. Avoid rushing and reduce stress by allowing for delays.
8. Check weather and traffic updates – Stay ahead of disruptions and make informed decisions about routes or potential hazards.
9. Keep emergency supplies in your cab – A spare jacket, blanket, snacks, water, phone charger, and torch batteries can be lifesavers in breakdown situations.
10. Take regular breaks to warm up and rest – Cold conditions can be draining. Use rest stops to recharge your body and stay alert.
11. Stay alert for black ice – Black ice is especially dangerous because it’s nearly invisible. Be cautious on bridges, shaded areas, and early mornings or late at night when temperatures are lowest. If the road looks wet but there’s no spray from vehicles ahead, it could be black ice. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering.
12. Always Get Out And Look (GOAL) – When performing slow-speed manoeuvres, especially in poorly lit yards or tight spaces, take a moment to step out and assess your surroundings. Visibility is reduced in winter conditions, and hazards like ice, parked vehicles, or uneven surfaces can be easily missed. GOAL can prevent costly mistakes and keep everyone safe.
